CHICAGO, IL  Environmental Systems Design, Inc. (ESD), an international leader in the design of high performance buildings, mission critical facilities, workplaces, and health, science, and education environments, promotes James Vallort to Executive Vice President/Chief of Services, appoints Addam Friedl Chief of Engineering, and appoints Mehdi Jalayerian Chief of Innovation.

In his new role, Vallort is responsible for leadership of the firm's service groups (Consulting, Technology, Commissioning, Automation, and Energy). He will serve as a strategist, advisor, and decision maker by providing insight for strategic planning and direction of business development activities and procedures as he sets the direction for ESD's service groups. Vallort, who joined ESD in 2006, previously served as Senior Vice President and Group Leader of Controls, Energy + Eco, and Commissioning. He has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Bradley University. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Building Commissioning Professional, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Sustainable Development Professional, Existing Building Commissioning Professional, and vice president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

As Chief of Engineering, Friedl is responsible for leadership of ESD's engineering professionals across four market verticals (High Performance Buildings; Mission Critical Facilities; Health, Science & Education; and Workplace Solutions). He will also serve as a strategist, advisor, and decision maker by providing insight for strategic planning and direction of business development activities and procedures, and is responsible for overseeing all projects, engineering and consulting deliverables, and technical professional personnel. Friedl joined ESD in early 2013 and was named an Executive Vice President in August 2014. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from University of South Florida. He is a Professional Engineer in 34 states and is an Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer.

In his new role as Chief of Innovation, Jalayerian will drive results through cultivating and sponsoring break-through innovation initiatives, nurturing a culture of innovation, and establishing processes that promote and encourage innovation. He joined ESD in 1991. He is an Executive Vice President and also serves as Practice Leader for High Performance Buildings. Jalayerian has a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from University of Kansas and is a Professional Engineer in eight states. He is a Registered Energy Professional and a LEED Accredited Professional.